Barry Boyhound

by Andy Spearman

This is the story of a boy named Barry. Some stuff happens, and overnight like magic he turns into a boyhound. Not a hound, but a boy hound—which means while he may still look like a boy, he is, in fact, a dog. And even in his boyhound brain, Barry knows there are lots of advantages to being a dog. You don't have to clean your room or use dental floss, for example.

But things get crazy. He eats something too disgusting to mention. He's attacked by telepathic squirrels. An innocent squashed frog gets involved. Plus, his mother's pretty mad. And that's all before the really bad thing happens. . . .

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2005

About the author

Andy Spearman is a pseudonym for an ad executive who lives in Canada.

Reviews

[babyhippoface · Rating 2 out of 5]

After being bitten by a flea, Barry wakes up to discover that although he still looks like a boy on the outside, on the inside he is definitely turning into a dog. Kids will think Barry’s unique situation is hilarious from beginning (which stems from an exploding raccoon) to rowdy end as they watch him chase cats, sniff people’s behinds, carry a squashed frog around in his mouth, and be victimized by a vicious group of squirrels. Full of goofy and gross-out humor, funny drawings and charts, asides directly addressing the reader, and a series of appendixes that includes a timeline, index, and more, this clever novel will quickly find a fan base. Although the gag may run a bit long for adults, upper elementary and middle school readers will beg for more.

[Lilyanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible no offense to the people wwho enjoyed this book but this is just my opinion. I really DIDN'T LIKE IT and im not advising anyone to keep away from this book but I'm just saying I didn't enjoy it.

[Lauren Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You see, when Barry wakes up, he will be a dog."(1)

This book kept me interested the entire time and made me want to keep reading. It had points of humour and points of seriousness which kept it interesting. I thought it was very creative and well written.

This book was a quick read, as I read it in about 1 day!

I would recommend it to anyone in comedy books!

[Joy Slykhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best boy book EVER! Brilliant, hilarious and unique. Sort of like "Geronimo Stilton" for older kids, except not dumb (but definitely goofy!). There are tangents (lots of them!), illustrations, appendices of peanut butter recipes and the rules to a game called "Pirate", ongoing tiny conversations between, fleas...everything you could even want in a book!

[Emma Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so funny, I laughed out loud while reading it!

This is the story of that time Barry turned into a Boyhound. You heard me, a Boyhound. A boy on the outside, but a dog on the inside. Now there are good about being a boyhoud, like being able to smell and hear better and other dog things like that, but things start to get out of control. Barry's mom is getting pretty close to grounding him, explosive raccoons are exploding on him, and Barry gets attacked by squirells who know telepathy. Who knows what other trouble Barry will get into during his day as a boyhound?

I finished this book because it was funny, and I like the way Andy Spearman writes. It's from his point of view, and all the quirky little tidbits in it make it all the better.

I started to read this book because the majority of the books in my bookshelves are fantasy books, so I needed to start reading different types of books. So as I was looking through the humour section I saw a bright and colorful binding so of course I picked it. Also, whenever I look through the library, it always catches my eye but I never end up taking it out. This time I had nothing else to read so I took it, and I don't regret it!

I'd recommend this book to Kaezha. She loves dogs and I think she'd find this book super funny too. In fact, I think any one who likes to have a good laugh and hasn't read this yet should read it!

[Conan Tigard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a fun book, and Barry, Boyhound is a really fun book. Sure, it gets a little gross sometimes (hey, dogs do gross things), but that only makes the book even more enjoyable to read. Boys will love this book! After all, what kids hasn't dreamed of being a dog sometime in their life? Of course, in that dream we usually become the dog 100% of the way, not just on the inside of a human body. Barry isn't that lucky.

This story is quick and well thought out. I really enjoyed all of the interesting bits of trivia and data Andy Spearman threw in the story by inserting pictures, charts, diagrams, and all sorts of other fun things. They really add to the story. And the alternate story of the two fleas on the boyhound's head is a hoot. We all hate fleas, especially any animal owner, but these two fleas with all of their problems are very entertaining.

Overall, Barry, Boyhound by Andy Spearman is a great story that all young readers will enjoy, especially boys who dream of being a dog.

I rated this book an 8½ out of 10.

[Marisa]

It's kind of weird, but a good weird.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

silly book about a flea-bitten boy behaving like a dog. funny dialog between fleas. funny and gross.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really funny and is very clever